Kuwait names ruler’s son as defence minister in shakeup

KUWAIT CITY — Kuwait has announced new picks for Cabinet, with five out of 16 members hailing from the royal family, including the ruler’s son who has been chosen to head the Defence Ministry.

Nasser Sabah Al Sabah, in his 60s, will serve as defence minister and as deputy prime minister. He takes over the ministry from Mohammad Khaled Al Sabah.

Bakheet al-Rasheedi, the CEO of Kuwait Petroleum International, a subsidiary of the national Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, was chosen as oil minister, replacing Essam al-Marzouq.

Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al Sabah announced his selections Sunday with Kuwait’s ruler, Sheikh Sabah, expected to approve the nominations.